What Can My Flemish Eat?

Flemish Giant rabbits are the largest breed of rabbit and grow to be more than 12 pounds. Due to their increased size, Flemish Giants need more food than average-sized rabbits and do well on a diet higher in protein. Ensure that you feed your Flemish Giant a well-balanced diet to avoid disease and help him live a long, healthy life.

  1. Grains

    • All rabbits, including Flemish Giants, need a diet high in grains. Hay, sunflower seeds, rolled barley, corn and alfalfa are all appropriate foods for these animals. Be careful of legume hays; they have a higher protein value, but they̵7;re also higher in calcium and can cause kidney stones. The bulk of a rabbit's diet is comprised of grains, so keeping a constant supply of hay is recommended.

    Vegetables

    • Flemish Giants love leafy vegetables like collard greens, lettuce and dandelion leaves. They also enjoy root vegetables like carrots, beets and potatoes as treats. Be careful of how many treats you give your rabbits, however, as they can cause a rabbit to gain too much weight that can lead to health complications. Do not feed your Flemish Giant iceburg lettuce, as it can cause digestive issues.

    Fruits

    • Flemish Giants will eat a variety of fruits like apples, strawberries, bananas and oranges. Papaya and pineapple can also be fed to your Flemish Giant as a natural remedy to prevent hairballs. Offer fruits to your rabbit and let him decide which he likes. Like many vegetables, fruits are considered treats and should be given to your Flemish Giant in moderation. Too many fruits can cause diarrhea and dehydration.

    Pellets

    • Pellets are a staple in any rabbit̵7;s diet and will provide the protein and a lot of the grain requirements necessary for your pet. Most Flemish Giants will eat 1 ounce of pellets per pound of body weight every day, so feed your rabbit accordingly. Choose a pellet for your rabbit with 15 to 18 percent protein to help support your rabbit̵7;s growth and muscle development.